Kiss Along With Me?

Here is my first block made from the Fig Tree pattern "Kiss Me".  Isn't it sweet?  I am making my quilt from various Fig Tree corally reds.  The fabric above is from Patisserie, but most of the reds I will use are from last summer's Strawberry Fields collection.  I found my fabrics late in the game, over the internet.  Quiltshops.com and Etsy are both good sources for older fabrics that your local quilt shop may no longer have in stock.  If matchy quilts aren't your thing, don't worry, this would be extremely cute done in a scrappy fashion, with each block a different fabric, or even Super Scrappy style, with individual blocks made from multiple fabrics in the same color family.  How amazing would that be?

When I posted on my plan to make this quilt, several of you said that you planned to make the pattern as well.  If you are in the process of making it now, as I am, let me know and I can link to your blog or post photos of your blocks as you make them.  Kiss Along with me, if you will!

So, here's the thing about Fig Tree patterns.  In general, I do not find that they are for the inexperienced sewer.  This one is certainly not.  The instructions are clear enough, but if you haven't been sewing long, you may wish for more pictures and more explanation.  There are bias edges, sewing of triangles, and lots and lots of points matching.  The results will be a beautiful quilt, and certainly worth the concentration it will take to construct it.

When I use a Fig Tree pattern, I don't like to mess around with it too much.  Just follow the instructions and all should be ok.  However, this time, I thought there might be a couple of tools that I could use that would make the cutting and construction more efficient (easier) for me.   Here's an example:

For the blocks, you need to cut Isosoles triangles.  Remember those from geometry class?  I know.  My head hurts too.  Anyway,  the pattern has you using your regular old rotary cutting ruler and using the 45 degree marks to find your place on the fabric strip.  I could do it, but it seemed (given my penchant for error) to be an unreliable method for me.  I had a couple of other ruler tools on hand that I though might be easier to use.

How many of you have one of these triangular Omnigrid rulers laying around that you have no clue what to do with?  I had one too!  The strips you cut for the triangles are 2 1/2 inches wide.  If you position the Omnigrid ruler so the number 4 lines up with the bottom of your fabric, you can cut on either side of the equal sides of the triangle (on the right and the left) and get the perfect sized triangle you need for this block.  Can anyone tell me what the numbers 1-8 on that ruler signify?  I hadn't the foggiest idea, but since 4 corresponded to 2 1/2 inches, I was good.  Do those numbers reflect the measurement of the long side of the triangle?

But wait, there's more.

I had another ruler called the Companion Angle by Darlene Zimmerman (who also made those wonderful Dresden Plate templates), which would do the job as well.  And look!  Her ruler has lines that actually say 2 1/2 inches so you can't possibly get mixed up.  It also has those same numbers 1 through 8 that I didn't understand, but I ignored them.

Ta da, first triangle.

Flip the ruler and cut another.  Of course you can stack your fabric so you don't end up cutting out individual triangles.  I cut up to four at a time.

To test things out, I made up a block and it seems like everything measured up just right.  I plan to spend the next day or two getting all my fabric cut out for this project.

Have a safe and fun Memorial Weekend everyone!

 

 

Comments

[Barbara Anne]

Love your first Kiss Me block! Well done!

Are the units that call for the isosoles triangles (that term makes me shudder in math misery!) Flying Geese or are they a bit different? Ah HA! A further look at your block and I see these triangles are those that flank your corner HSTs. Veddy eenteresting.

How large will Kiss Me grow?

Hugs!

[Diane]

I love the blocks. I measured my ruler like that and the line 4 does not equal 4 inches. Not even if you take a quarter inch off each side for a seam allowance. Perhaps there is a math genius out there who knows. Or ruler genius.

[D]

the numbers 1-8 indicate the finished block size after construcing a block made of 4 triangles ;)

[Paulette Doyle]

I LOVE those nice BIG numbers on the Companion Ruler!! LOVE it!!
P

[Jocelyn]

oooo, what a pretty pattern! Love the blocks.

[sillysally]

Oh man, how I wish I had enough time to do this! It would work perfectly for my son's quilt. I've been collecting browns and blues for the past couple of years, hoping I'd find a pattern that could look very "male" when all sewn up. Maybe I can join as a late-comer, like the end of June??? What a good incentive that would give me. :)

[Marge]

Putting the fabric on the 4 number ends up with a 4" block using 2-1/2" strips. so much for my knowledge.
Marge

[Dianne]

Love the block...and Patisserie is my all-time FAVORITE figgy line ;) Your quilt will be so pretty :)

[jan]

Geometry was soooo long ago and my first run at it was not a smashing success! Second try was better, but I still shudder at the thought!! It's a wonder I can piece a quilt at all, now that I really think about it! haha!! "Kiss Me" is very inviting--can't wait to see the final results!

[Sandy Gray]

The quarter square triangles, when sewn together like an hourglass quilt will be a 4" block (finished)

[Mary on Lake Pulaski]

Great block! Can it be done with all half-square-triangles?

[Sherry]

This is going to be a b-e-a-u-tiful quilt!!! I think the fabric is stunning and your piecing is fabulous! I can't wait to see the finished quilt.

[Teresa]

Yes, I have those rulers and no I have never used them! I really have to learn to use the tools I have at hand. Thanks for the reminder.

[trelly]

Great idea! I have the complete kit waiting for me... I have to finishe the Schnibbles for this month and probably I can start it next week! :) Hugs from Spain

[Bari Jo]

I just love your tutorials! They are SOOOOO helpful!!!! :O)